We often criminalize the things that make us uncomfortable. But if we set our discomfort aside and examined taboo human experiences with curiosity instead of keeping them out of sight and mind in a jail cell, would we become a more compassionate society? Here we explore the concept and ask, is it time to remove […]
Sex work is real work, and it’s tougher than ever. COVID-19 wreaked havoc on sex worker incomes and safety. Clients have dwindled during the pandemic, so sex workers literally can’t afford to be choosy, taking on more and more dangerous clients, some of whom may not be compliant with COVID-safe protocols, which adds additional risk. […]
Proponents of the physician-assisted Suicide, or “Death with Dignity,” movement seek to legalize a terminally ill patient’s wish to end life with a doctor’s help. The controversial topic is the subject of a recent bill introduced in the Rhode Island legislature (see The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act, H5572 deathwithdignity.org/states/rhode-island/). The bill provides certain […]
Last November a ballot measure approved by Oregon voters decriminalized the possession of small amounts of heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, oxycodone and cocaine. The Oregon initiative did not legalize the use of hard drugs, it just ended the practice of destroying drug users’ lives to save them. Instead, citizens found in possession of these drugs face […]
Bail bonds require posting money by or on behalf of someone charged with a crime in exchange for their release before trial. In theory, the money backs a promise by the accused to appear in court as scheduled and to be of good behavior. If the accused violates the terms of release, by fleeing the […]
Wood Frogs Thaw Out Then Get Busy In southern New England, wood frogs are among the first species to emerge from winter hibernation, typically in mid to late March. Wood frogs produce a natural antifreeze that allows them to freeze almost completely solid in winter. Unique among frogs in the Northeast, the wood frog’s antifreeze […]
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos is officially Gov. Dan McKee’s pick for lieutenant governor. “I know Sabina will be a true partner in governing, who is prepared to work closely with our administration starting from day one,” said the governor in a State House press conference Wednesday morning. The announcement comes after weeks of […]
Coronavirus cases remain steady as vaccinations climb in Rhode Island. State leaders today announced 7,000 doses were administered daily, with last week hitting an all-time high of 70,000 doses given out. Vaccine supply in Rhode Island is slowly increasing, and officials expect to hit 100,000 a week by the start of June. COVID response executive […]
For 10 years, the United Nations has designated March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. As the 21st day of the third month of each year, the date symbolizes the genetic foundation for Down syndrome — the triplication of the 21st chromosome. Building upon the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN’s […]
All Rhode Island adults ages 16 and up will be eligible for vaccination appointments starting April 19, Governor Dan McKee announced today in a weekly briefing with the press. This announcement comes days after state leaders were ratcheting down expectations of hitting an ambitious May 1 eligibility goal set by President Joe Biden. The vaccine […]